Collapse of 35-Foot Statue of Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj Sparks Controversy

A significant incident has occurred in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, where a 35-foot statue of maratha King Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj, unveiled last year by prime minister Narendra Modi, collapsed on monday afternoon at rajkot Fort in Malvan.

The statue, which was a symbol of pride and historical significance, fell around 1 pm. The exact cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, but recent heavy rains and strong winds in the area may have contributed to the incident. Experts are currently investigating the situation to ascertain the reasons behind the structural failure.

Following the collapse, opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the state government. They argue that the government failed to ensure the quality and durability of the statue's construction. Jayant Patil, state president of the ncp (SP) and former minister, accused the government of neglecting the quality of work, focusing only on the event’s grandeur rather than the statue’s structural integrity. He stated, "The state government is responsible for the collapse, as it did not take proper care. The government paid little attention to the quality of work. It only focused on conducting an event where prime minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue."

Shiv Sena (UBT) mla Vaibhav Naik echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the state administration for alleged lapses in the construction quality.

The statue was unveiled on december 4 of last year, coinciding with Navy Day, and was part of celebrations at rajkot Fort, which PM Modi attended. The incident has raised questions about the oversight and management of such significant public projects.

Authorities are working to assess the damage and determine the next steps, including any necessary repairs or replacements. The collapse has intensified scrutiny on how large-scale public works are managed and inspected, particularly regarding their longevity and resistance to environmental factors.

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